1 cited, 1 charged in New Year's Day crash near Millsboro

An elderly Georgetown woman received traffic citations while a Seaford teenager is facing criminal charges following a fiery, two-vehicle crash near Millsboro that sent them both to the hospital on New Year's Day, police said.

An elderly Georgetown woman received traffic citations, while a Seaford teenager is facing criminal charges, following a fiery, two-vehicle crash near Millsboro that sent them both to the hospital on New Year’s Day, police said.

Eula M.B. Graves, 79, was admitted to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes with non-life-threatening injuries, while the unidentified 16-year-old girl was treated and released from Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, police said.

The crash occurred at the intersection of southbound Dupont Boulevard and Avenue of Honor about 11:35 a.m.

According to state police, Graves was driving a 2007 Chrysler 300 westbound on Avenue of Honor when she failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection with the northbound lanes of Dupont Boulevard, as well as the stop sign at the intersection with the southbound lanes of the highway.

The Chrysler struck the rear driver’s side of a 2005 Dodge Magnum that was heading south on Dupont Boulevard, causing the Dodge to spin clockwise before coming to a stop in the center median.

Graves’ car continued west and struck a utility pole, causing power lines to fall into the roadway. The Chrysler, which was carrying gas cans, then became engulfed in flames, police said.

Graves, who was helped out of her vehicle after the crash, was cited for failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to yield the right of way and no proof of insurance.

Police later learned that the 16-year-old does not have a valid driver’s license and took the Dodge from a relative without permission. She is charged with theft of a motor vehicle and driving without a valid license and has been released to the custody of her parents pending a Family Court hearing, police said.

Dupont Boulevard was closed for about three hours while police investigated the crash and utility crews worked to repair the damaged pole.